Jurgen Klopp

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I’m a big fan of Raphael Honigstein’s writing – in particular his book Das Reboot. Like his other work, this book is well written, well researched and a very enjoyable read.

It’s also fascinated me how a manager’s character can shape the neutral fan’s perception of a football team. Under previous Liverpool managers (especially Houlier) I found Liverpool quite dis-likable and certainly not a team I would root for. Yet under Klopp its hard not to have a soft spot for the free-flowing Liverpool team that plays in a manner My personal view of Klopp is that he is a likeable, competent manager who escapes close scrutiny compared to other characters who have had similar results. This book provides plenty of evidence that Klopp has had his fair share of disappointing spells, but one thing I did learn is that Klopp fosters a familial atmosphere that makes short-term results less important, which offers an explanation why. They can be proud of their achievements' Liverpool had 24 shots, the most on record (since 2003-04) without scoring for a team in a single Champions League final.Losing the Champions League is a disappointing season," Richards said. "Liverpool have been incredible but you look at winners, we are talking about the league being special and then the Champions League. There are a few areas in the book where more detail would have been interesting. The section on the type of player Klopp looked to sign was very interesting but I would have like more detail on why certain players were signed – what was it about Lewandawski that made Dortmund pull the trigger for example when he was overlooked by other clubs? The Occam’s razor explanation as to why this slight and snappy paean to Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp works: Anthony Quinn is a delightful writer writing about a delightful subject. Quinn, well known as a novelist and film and literary critic, has been a Liverpool fan since his Huyton youth (a brief flirtation with Celtic, based only on their attractive kit design, aside). Klopp, meanwhile, the big-smiling, perma-baseball-capped, witty and erudite club manager, is someone who even opposing fans – and those who have no interest in football – admire. This is what I love the most about him. The never give up mentality and the attitude of standing up every time you fall. Because, at the end of the storm, there is a golden sky. Now, I know love is a strong word but even if he kills a puppy at this very instance, I bet every Mainz, Dortmund, and Liverpool supporter will still see him as a saint. That’s how much Klopp is loved by the entire city of Mainz, the entire city of Dortmund, and by Liverpool fans worldwide, and it is a testament to his great character.

But most importantly, in between the stories the book also brilliantly captures the essence of Jürgen Klopp's tremendous, larger-than-life, personality and the wisdom and intellect that match it. Hence, it is similar with reading books about basketball’s John Wooden or American football’s Vince Lombardy, where we can learn so much more from the great men and from the lessons that they teach us for life outside their respective sports.

A week before Saturday's loss, there was still talk of Liverpool being able to win the quadruple as they were also in the running for the Premier League title. I had decided on the title of the book long before writing down the very first word of it. Because it summarises everything that I wanted to explain: how Klopp’s human touch, faith in the principles of teamwork and true love for fellow human beings created a beautiful working environment. Liverpool had plenty of chances in the first half against Real at the Stade de France, but found goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in outstanding form as the former Chelsea player made several superb saves. I have a strong feeling we will come again. The boys are competitive. We will have an outstanding group next season," said Klopp. I love football so much because it is such a good example of how colourful the world can be. You use all the different cultures, strengths, and educations to be the best team you can be. It’s just a great example, really.’